Mário Do Ó

How would you assess the performance of ABB in Portugal during the pandemic?

As far as ABB’s performance in Portugal is concerned, in 2021 the ABB Portugal grew more than 20% YoY in orders, despite COVID-19, the crisis of the semiconductors and raw materials that result in a problem of availability of products. 2021 was a great year for ABB Portugal across all the divisions of the company, not only in terms of orders but also in profitability. We want to continue to growth in 2022 as well, even though there are still some challenges like i previous mentioned.

What are the main growth opportunities in the Portuguese economy?

Portugal has great market potential for us, to expand and consolidate our operations in many sectors. Portugal will have considerable investments, in the coming months, especially with the funds that will come from the EU (PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan ). We have established a presence within key sectors of the national economy, from infrastructure to energy, water and in light, heavy and process industries. In the last few years we also had a focus on electrical mobility, for example ABB Ability for EV charging (Electric vehicle charging Solutions), who offered us new growth opportunities in the market. We had a solid year regarding EV charging, confirming our leadership in this type of solutions. Electrical mobility is driving many opportunities, and the prove of that was the order that ABB received from Astilleros Gondán, to supply all electrical power solutions for ten ferries. The ferries will be operated by Transtejo (Public Portuguese company -transportation) and will replace existing diesel ferries in the fleet.  The 40-metre-long barges will all be used on the three main routes between Lisbon and Cacilhas, Seixal and Montijo, where they will transport passengers across the river. ABB estimates that replacing the ten ferries operating on the from diesel power to all-electric integrated power solution is expected to cut about 6,500 tons in CO2 emissions every year. This is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions generated by around 1,400 passenger cars annually.

How do you shape your competitive advantages and remain one step ahead of the increasing competition in the local market?

We will continue to invest in Portugal, ensuring that we will grow even further in a way to give a superior value to our customers. ABB will make an investment in Portugal of more than 0.6 million EUR in Coimbra, to establish a new workshop with a digitalization and training center. With this new investment we will be able to provide to our clients a unique experience, and we plan to have it ready by May this year.  This represent the commitment with our clients, reinforcing ABB in Portugal. We are focused creating superior customer value, digital is embedded in our DNA. Maintaining and improving our innovation, technology and digital leadership is a strategic priority across divisions.

What is your main objective in Portugal?

We believe that people are the main and most important part for the success of the business, we promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Because of that we want to continue to invest in people, and in the business to reinforce our presence in Portugal. Regarding financial the strategy is clear, continue to growth in revenues and in profitability.